Advocacy

Formally established in 1992 as a federally tax exempt nonprofit organization, HACBED strives to “achieve economic, social, and environmental justice in Hawai`i through community-based economic development.” As a statewide intermediary organization, it has helped to strengthen the strategic readiness and capacity of communities and community-based economic development organizations (CBEDOs) to affect the systemic and structural changes necessary to address the myriad of challenges that face Hawai`i’s families and communities. Through its work, HACBED has supported CBEDOs and low income communities in their efforts to expand economic choices, increase wealth, create hope, and promote self-empowerment and self-sufficiency for individuals, families, and communities on all islands so that they can have choice and control over their future.

In its efforts over the years to build and grow the CBED and asset building field in Hawai`i, HACBED has strategically focused on:

[1] Asset Policy Development & Advocacy – moving social and economic justice issues from the “grassroots” to effective policy through asset building policy development, advocacy and organizing, and implementation;

[2] Capacity Building – providing technical support, coaching, and other consulting services for organizational, community-based, and economic development; and

[3] Knowledge Development & Dissemination – developing and sharing information that helps to strengthen community voice and collective action around planning and implementation of viable asset development strategies – both policy and practice.